The Book of Akbar 172.2
The Akbarnama (H. Beveridge), vols. I–II 172.2
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172.2.1
In fine, when his Majesty came to the bridge, he found it broken. There being no other resource he plunged with his steed into the water like a river-traversing crocodile. By fate he got separated from his horse. Just then, as Providence was watching over his Majesty, a water-carrier became the Elijah of his course, and by the help of his (the water-carrier’s) swimming, he emerged from that whirlpool to the shore of safety. On the way his Majesty asked him his name. He answered, “Nizam.” His Majesty replied, “A very Nizam Auliya.” He showed him kindness and favour and promised that when he safely sate upon the throne, he would give him royalty for half a day. This anguish-fraught affair (qissa-i-pur-ghussa) occurred on 9th Safar, 946, (7th June, 1539), on the bank of the Ganges at the Causa ferry. M. Muhammad Zaman, Maulana Muhammad Parghali, Maulana Qasim 'Ali Sadr, Maulana Jalal of Tatta and many officers and (learned) learned men sank in the waters of annihilation. His Majesty in company with M. ‘Askari and a few others rapidly proceeded to Agra. M. Kamran was exalted by kissing the threshold, and after some days, M. Hindal was brought from Alwar by the intervention of M. Kamran and his (Hindal’s) mother, and did homage with shame and downcast looks. His Majesty from his innate clemency forgave his offences and made many inquiries about his welfare. When from causes beyond control a destined event suddenly made its appearance, he at once sought to remedy it.
172.2.2
He engaged himself in collecting arms and in retrieving the position. Officers and soldiers came from the provinces and had the honour of performing their obeisances. At this time the honest water-carrier presented himself at the foot of the throne in reliance on the great promise. His Majesty Jahanbani, who was the crown-giver and throne-conferrer of the land of generosity and urbanity, when he saw the friendless water-carrier afar off, immediately gave his Cyrus (khusrau)-covenant a place on the throne of fulfilment, and having vacated the seat of sovereignty in favour of the Elijah of the path, he set the water-carrier, in accordance with his promise, upon the throne for half a day, thereby equalling him to the monarch of midday. Having excepted sundry kingly powers and functions which his capacity could not have comprehended, he exalted him by conferring on him the dignity of command, and wiped away, with the swelling sea of munificence, the dust of want from the countenance of his condition and of that of his tribe. Every order which during that incumbency on the kingly throne, issued from the water-carrier, was executed forthwith. M. Kamran on beholding such loftiness of soul displayed the wrinkle of cavil on the forehead of criticism, and a pretext (for displeasure) was furnished to his trouble-seeking heart.
172.2.3
After this affair of deceit (that of Causa) Sher Khan made an attack on Bengal. He came to the extremity of Bihar, and then halted there and sent Jalal Khan with a force of troublers against Bengal. In a short time there was a battle with Jahangir Quli Khan who bravely maintained the contest. Inasmuch however, as the design of Providence was otherwise, the Bengal officers did not act harmoniously in putting down the rebellion, but sought their own comfort and did not combine in this war. After struggles and trials Jahangir Quli was unable to keep the field, and had to retreat and take refuge with the landholders (zamindaran). He came forth thence on a false treaty and engagement and was despatched, along with many others, to the plains of annihilation. Sher Khan being at ease about Bengal went towards Jaunpur. This he subdued and made long the arm of strife. He sent his younger son, Qutb Khan, with a large body of vagabonds against Kalpī and Etawa. When news of this reached the august ears, Yadgar Nasir, M. Qasim Husain Khan Uzbak, who held these parts in fief, and Iskandar Sultan, who had charge for M. Kamran of some estates in Kalpi, were sent against Qutb Khan. These lions of bravery’s field encountered the foxy tricksters and fought a great battle. By the Divine aid, they gained the victory and Qutb Khan was slain.
172.2.4
His Majesty Jahanbani stayed for a while in Agra, the capital, arranging his troops, and conciliating his brothers and relatives and amending their secret dispositions. Though he washed the dust-stained cheek of Kamran with the limpid waters of counsel, he could in no wise cleanse it, and however much he scoured the rust of contrariety with the burnisher of advice, the brightness of concord could by no means be developed in the mirror of his fortune. And in such a crisis, when, even if there were internal dissension, outward concord was necessary to safeguard his own fortunes, and at such a time, when together with other resources he had 20,000 tried soldiers with him, and when by the abounding and beneficent favours and prestige of his Majesty Jahanbani, territory from Kabul to Dawar Zamin in the north, and to Samana in the south was in his possession, he, being contentious and wanting in his duty to so eminent a king, elder brother and benefactor, alleged illness and with abundance of carelessness and absence of circumspection, held himself aloof from such important service. Almighty God returned to him in this workshop of recompenses (this world), the fruit of his deeds and in the forefront of life he beheld by his own eyes the punishment of his actions. Some of these results will be briefly described with the pen of manifestation in their proper place. Hemistich. When his fortune was departed, the omen came true.
172.2.5
He had some chronic diseases, and instead of being aroused by those secret monitions, he out of perversity, grew stubborn in the path of discontent against his benefactor, and in the displeasing of his superior. First he sent Khwaja Kalan Beg with a large force to Lahor, and then turning away from the qibla of fortune, himself followed him. He became an author and architect of destruction and detriment, drawing evil on friends and attracting good to foes. Though his Majesty Jahanbani said, "Prince, if you may not give the blessing of companionship and must throw away such an opportunity, make your men join me," the Mirza in direct opposition to his Majesty's desire perverted even the king's men and took them with him. Mirza Haidar, son of M. Husain Gurgen, who was the cousin of his Majesty Giti-sitani Firdaus-makani, had come with M. Kamran to Agra, and had enjoyed the privilege of serving his Majesty Jahanbani, and had been treated with abundant favours. Mirza Kamran made his own ailment an excuse and laboured to induce him (Haidar) to accompany him. The Mirza showed himself favourably inclined towards M. Kamran and proceeded to excuse himself (to Humayun), and out of want of consideration brought forward the matter of leave. His Majesty observed, "If kindred be the point for consideration, you are equally related to us both; if loyalty and truth be regarded, the tie to me is closer. If glory and manliness be sought, you should accompany me for I am marching against the foe.
172.2.6
As to what M. Kamran is representing about his illness, you are not a physician nor a druggist, that you should go with him. What the Mirza imagines about Lahor's being a place of safety, is idle for, if anything is clear as the result of his holding back from this expedition, it is that he will not find a corner of safety in India. Your action cannot be divested of two difficulties. Should I succeed, what face can you put on the matter or what respect will you have ? You will not from shame be able to lift your head from the ground, so that death will be preferable to life. If, which God forbid, the result be otherwise, it will be impossible for you to remain in Lahor. Whoever has suggested such a thing to M. Kamran is either wrong in his brain, or he is treacherous and has concealed the truth and entered on the path of flattering.” In fine, M. Haidar happily found the path of good counsel and gloriously associated himself with the army of honour. M. Kamran out of his abundant forces contributed 3,000 men under the command (bājiilīqī) of M. 'Abdu-l-lah Mughul, and did not himself obtain the blessing of service.